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An end-of-year smart gadget blast from Quirky (pictures)

Quirky went all out today in New York, announcing seven intriguing new gadgets for its growing smart-home platform.

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Scott Stein
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
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Ry Crist Senior Editor / Reviews - Labs
Originally hailing from Troy, Ohio, Ry Crist is a writer, a text-based adventure connoisseur, a lover of terrible movies and an enthusiastic yet mediocre cook. A CNET editor since 2013, Ry's beats include smart home tech, lighting, appliances, broadband and home networking.
Expertise Smart home technology and wireless connectivity Credentials
  • 10 years product testing experience with the CNET Home team
Scott Stein
Ry Crist
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New gadgets galore

Quirky went all out at an event in New York, expanding its Wink-based lineup of smart-home gadgetry with the addition of several new devices. Click through for a look at what's new.

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The not-so-usual suspects

Quirky's new gadgets position it to compete with a variety of competing platforms in ways that it previously couldn't.

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The Quirky Tripper

First up: the Quirky Tripper, which promises to keep track of whether a door, window or cabinet is open or closed. Quirky's selling a two-pack for $40.

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Meet Norm

Next is the Quirky Norm, the startup's stab at a smart thermostat.

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Quirky Overflow

The Quirky Overflow is a sensor that can detect leaks.

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Quirky Tapt

For smart-lighting control, you can replace your light switch with the Quirky Tapt.

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Wink Relay

Along with the new gadgets, Quirky took some time to show off the previously announced Wink Relay, which plans to serve as a futuristic-looking smart-home control center.

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Quirky Outlink

Back to new stuff, though -- the Quirky Outlink is a smart socket. Similar to the Tapt, you can control it (and anything you plug into it) remotely from your smartphone via the Wink app.

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Quirky Spotter Uniq

Quirky also unveiled a modular makeover for last year's Spotter Multipurpose Sensor. The new model, the Spotter Uniq, will let users pick from a variety of sensors and designs. Quirky will custom-build each one at its new microfactory in California.

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Quirky Ascend

With the Quirky Ascend, you'll be able to add smart controls to your garage door.

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Wink app controls

Like the existing Quirky lineup, you'll control the new gadgets using the Wink app on your Android or iOS device. Some of these devices will require the Wink Relay or the more affordable Wink Hub.

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Thermostat controls

With the Norm, for instance, you'll be able to control the climate in your home right from your phone.

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Outlink app controls

Outlink will let you control whatever gets plugged into the top socket -- but not the bottom one.

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Wink app

Here's a closer look at the Wink app's design.

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Scan to add

You'll be able to add products to your system simply by scanning their bar codes.

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App shortcuts

The Wink app will also let you create quick shortcuts to your most commonly used controls.

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Automate with Robot assistance

You can craft automation recipes right in the app. Quirky calls them "Robots."

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A built-in alternative

If you'd rather leave your phone in your pocket, you'll find those same controls in the Wink Relay's touchscreen interface.

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Tapt out

Install the new Quirky Tapt, and you'll be able to sync its buttons up with any smart bulbs you've integrated into your system.

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Relay buttons

The Wink Relay's got similar buttons built right in.

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Relay interface

Here's a closer look at the Relay's touchscreen interface.

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Wink Relay controls

You'll be able to add devices right from the Relay.

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Weather, too

You can check the weather forecast, too.

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Connect with color

As of now, you can choose between a white, black, or green Spotter Uniq (or a mix of the three). Down the road, Quirky's promising designs like this orange one...

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Any color

...or this yellow one...

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Any any color

...or this blue one...

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So many colors

...or this aqua one...

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So very many colors

...or this pink one...

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Too many colors

...or this... what is that, powder blue? Let's call it a powder blue one.

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Order online

You can order the Spotter Uniq and all of Quirky's new gadgets online as of today.

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Custom built

With the Spotter Uniq, you'll build it just the way you want it. Quirky will put your build together and ship it your way in December.

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App controls

Whatever you set it to sense, you'll be able to track it in -- you guessed it -- the Wink app.

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Another angle

Here's a closer look.

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Overflowing with tech

Here's a look at the Quirky Overflow out of the box.

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Tripper tech

And here's the Tripper alongside its display in the Wink app.

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Ascend out of the box

Here's the Ascend, along with the Wink app's garage door controls.

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A closer look

You'll plug your garage door motor right into the Ascend and let it do the thinking.

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Third-party integrations

Wink's platform boasts support for a wide variety of third-party smart devices.

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Casting a wide net

The idea is that you'll be able to use Wink to run your home, no matter what gadgets you've already bought into.

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Deadbolt integration

You'll be able to add this Schlage Deadbolt, for instance. Quirky doesn't have its own deadbolt, so this is a nice addition for the system.

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App compatibility

The free Wink app is available for Android and iOS devices. There's no dedicated tablet or desktop application yet.

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